Clarendon Beach, Public beach in Cook County, United States.
Clarendon Beach is a public shoreline along Lake Michigan featuring wide sandy areas for swimming and sunbathing. The beach provides direct water access with shallow areas near shore and deeper sections further out.
The beach was established in 1915 to provide public access to Lake Michigan for Chicago residents at a time when most waterfront areas were privately owned. Over the decades it evolved into a major community gathering spot on the city's lakefront.
The beach serves as a gathering place where people from different parts of the city come to spend time together by the water. Visitors of all ages and backgrounds use the shoreline for swimming and relaxation in equal measure.
The beach is open year-round, though swimming is most comfortable from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are warmer. Parking areas are available nearby and basic facilities like changing areas and showers are provided for visitors.
The shoreline connects directly to Chicago's extensive lakefront trail system, allowing visitors to walk or cycle for miles along the water's edge without interruption. This integration makes it a natural starting point for exploring the broader waterfront.
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